Things to Use for a Chicken Nest Box

Not everyone is able to afford a fancy chicken coop with built-in nest boxes, and if you're not handy enough to build your own, use things you have on hand.

Your laying hens won't care what their nest boxes look like. As long as the box is sturdy enough for the chickens to get in and out of, holds nesting material, and is large enough to accommodate them while sitting, you've covered the basic requirements. You probably have several things in your home today that would make suitable nest boxes.

Regardless of what you decide to use for a nest box, when adding a new one to your chicken coop, put an egg decoy in it to let your hens know that's the place to lay their eggs. I prefer wooden eggs, but a plastic egg or even a golf ball will serve the same purpose.

Use a Milk Crate for a Nest Box

Do you have an old milk crate in the garage? Clean it up and fill with appropriate nesting material to use for a nest box in your chicken coop. You may have to secure it to the wall of the coop if it's not heavy enough to remain stationary as the hens navigate it.

Make a Nest Box From a Dishpan

I opted to use a dishpan for my nest boxes. My hens aren't small and the size of the dishpan still accommodates them easily. I paid less than $2 for a basic dishpan at Walmart and after adding clean shavings, secured them in my chicken coop with a bungie cord so they wouldn't tip easily. The chickens thanked me with an egg in the dishpan the very first day.

Plastic Tub Nest Box

Any sort of plastic storage container can be used for a nest box when placed on its side. Depending on the size of the container, it may allow 2-3 hens to use the nest box at the same time.

Basket of Nest Boxes

A woven basket can make a nice nest box if it's sturdy enough and can be secured from tipping. A cheap, lightweight basket may not stand up to the mess in a chicken coop, and remember that chickens like to peck at anything within reach.

Chickens in a Cat Box

A cat litter pan is the perfect size for a nest box for larger chickens. If repurposing a used cat litter box, make sure to clean and disinfect it thoroughly before putting it into your chicken coop to prevent the spread of disease.

Roasting Pan Nest Box?

If you have a roasting pan no longer suitable to cook in, your chickens may be able to use it for a nest box. The handles on the pan should allow you to secure it to the coop wall in some fashion. Add fresh shavings or straw to make your hens comfortable enough in the old roasting pan to deposit their eggs and it just may keep them out of the stew pot in your kitchen.

Sources:
Personal experience
backyardchickens.com